This is the first in a series of articles in the run-up to the new Premier League season. The series will look at the players who are likely to play an important role next season including new signings and last season’s first team regulars offering insight into what they did well last season, what they could improve on and what we could expect in the next season from them. The most logical player to kick things off with is our Spanish goalkeeping hero Adrián.
What he did well last season
Adrián was, once again, one of the stand out performers of last season and one of the fans’ favourites. The ‘keeper, who arrived at West Ham from Real Betis in 2013 on a free transfer, started every game last season and put in some world class performances as he kept eight clean sheets, made the 3rd most saves in the Premier League (129) and also made the most penalty saves out of any keeper in the League (3). Adrián was also involved in the scoring of a penalty in January in West Ham’s FA Cup third round tie against Everton. Adrián confidently stepped up, threw his gloves to the ground and slotted his penalty away to win the match. He wheeled away to celebrate in front of the West Ham faithful, earning himself a legendary status amongst Hammers fans.
This was easily one of my favourite moments of last season and I’m sure many of you will agree with me. Other stand out moments included a flying save from an Oscar free-kick vs Chelsea which won him save of the season in the end of season awards. Another brilliant save was from a powerful Matty Phillips strike vs QPR and had the voting not already started, this could’ve easily won save of the season.
What he can improve on
Adrián was brilliant last season and easily one of our best players with not a lot to improve on; however, there were one or two hairy moments which, for the sake of the fans’ nerves, he could improve on. No West Ham game is complete without a moment where you nervously squirm in your seat as the team mess around with a clearance or by playing a poor back pass (James Collins, I’m looking at you). Unfortunately, Adrián sometimes contributed to my nervous disposition during a match as he can take slightly too long on the ball when it’s at his feet.
Adrián did eventually shoot himself in the foot a little during the Southampton match in February as he dilly dallied on the ball eventually getting tackled by Southampton player Sadio Mané and Adrián eventually got sent off for a perceived hand ball outside of the area (later rescinded). We were lucky last season that we had a fantastic reserve ‘keeper in Jussi Jaaskelainen who came on to replace Adrián in goal and keep a clean sheet as we drew 0-0. We have a new reserve keeper in Darren Randolph who will need to prove himself but if our star goalkeeper can avoid these nerve wracking moments then West Ham will be in a much better situation to win matches and many fans will avoid a number of mini heart attacks during the game!
What can we expect from Adrián next season?
One thing that we can expect for sure is passion. Adrián clearly loves West Ham and gives his all for the team. It will great to watch him celebrate in front of the fans when we win. Adrián’s Twitter page is a reason why he is a fan favourite and his enthusiastic tweets should be looked out for in the coming months as I’m sure he will carry this on into the new season. One of his latest tweets confirmed a blossoming bromance between him and his new Spanish team mate Pedro Obiang. Another item on Adrián’s agenda will be to try to win Hammer Of The Year and become the first goalie since Rob Green in 2008 to win the award. He has finished runner up for two consecutive seasons behind Mark Noble in 2013/2014 and behind Aaron Cresswell in 2014/2015. Adrián must be wondering what he can do to win the award!
In the next season we can expect more of the same from Adrián, who hasn’t got a lot to improve on, from his immense passion for the club to his fantastic shot stopping. Perhaps with a better defence in front of him he can keep more clean sheets and with new goalkeeping coach Chris Woods, who has been coaching Manchester United Goalie David De Gea, working with him maybe Adrián can be propelled to new heights and help West Ham to a top eight finish next season.
